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Legal Administrative Specialist

Department of Justice
Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys
United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Indiana
This job announcement has closed

Summary

If you are looking for an exciting and challenging career, this is the position for you! With a diverse and talented workforce of over 100,000 men and women, Justice leads the Nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. You can be part of a dedicated team helping to enforce Federal criminal and civil laws that protect life, liberty, and the property of citizens.

Overview

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Job canceled
Open & closing dates
10/16/2023 to 03/12/2024
Salary
$54,728 to - $105,289 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 9
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Hammond, IN
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You will be required to travel for training or other work-related purposes.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Announcement number
24-INN-12164358-DE
Control number
755026300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All United States Citizens and Nationals.

Duties

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This position is located in Hammond, Indiana.

Hammond, Indiana is centrally located in the Northwest Indiana region. With a thriving population and minutes away from Chicago, Northwest Indiana offers low-cost, high-quality living while offering highly competitive salaries at the Chicago locality rate. The proximity of Chicago also offers its art and cultural institutions, world-class entertainment, and dining. The area boasts a variety of living options - from urban living and suburbs to small towns and rural communities. Northwest Indiana is also home to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Park and the Indiana Dunes State Park - both offering trails, camping and beaches along Lake Michigan.
For more information about the area, visit www.nwiforum.org

The office is soliciting applications for a Legal Administrative Specialist position within the Civil Division of the Northern District of Indiana. If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing a variety of advanced litigation support functions to Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) in the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Typical work assignments will include:

  • Exercises a basic knowledge of litigation process, legal terminology, and court rules and procedures (e.g., rules of evidence and rules of civil procedure), and ability to apply that knowledge when performing basic litigation support tasks.
  • Identifies and utilizes the most appropriate software packages, including databases, spreadsheets, and word processing applications, to meet the needs of developing and managing a database to track and analyze civil cases and relevant information about those cases, including their status.
  • Uses various software applications in sophisticated ways to efficiently organize, analyze and present case materials for discovery, document review databases, for depositions, courtroom presentation software, etc., including basic troubleshooting and basic training. Scans, codes, indexes, labels, bates stamps and tags discovery.
  • Assures documents are organized for efficient storage and retrieval by preparing appropriate indices, defining data file search criteria and indexing/coding fields and ensures documents are entered and coded in the most efficient and correct way.
  • Assists and/or trains attorneys and legal support staff in organizing voluminous case information for efficient retrieval through automated means such as scanning, indexing and controlling of documents into a database.
  • Prepares computerized trial presentation programs and exhibits for legal proceedings.
  • In consultation with AUSAs and federal agents, redacts sensitive/confidential/classified information from all discovery materials being produced.
  • Through the use of document review applications, numbers (or otherwise identifies), copies, extracts, and prepares for production of discovery matters.
  • Drafts discovery letters identifying matters be produced and memorializing their discovery.
  • Maintains record and copies of discovery produced.
  • Exercises a basic knowledge of standard litigation technology software (e.g., processing software, document review databases, and courtroom presentation software) to prepare, manage, produce, or present discovery, evidence, exhibits, or other electronic files relevant to civil cases.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.

This position has promotion potential to the GS-11 grade level. Promotion to the next grade level is at management's discretion and is based on your demonstrated ability to perform the higher-level duties, the continuing need for the higher-level duties, and "Regulatory/Administrative" approval. Promotion to the next higher grade level is not guaranteed and no promise of promotion is implied.

Incentive Pay: May be considered for superiorly qualified applicants and in accordance with 5 CFR Part 575.

Relocation Expenses: Permanent Change in Station (PCS) Relocation expenses will not be authorized.

Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part:
  • Paid vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 12-weeks of Paid Parental Leave
  • Reasonable Accommodations
  • Health Insurance Benefits
  • Dental and Vision benefits
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Healthcare and Dependent Care
  • Federal Retirement Pension (Federal Employees Retirement System)
  • Thrift Savings Plan (401k) with up to 5% employer matching
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term care Insurance
Other Benefits:In addition to the above benefits, we also offer:
  • Telework
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Compressed Work Schedules
  • Student Loan Forgiveness
  • Performance Awards & Bonuses
  • Employee Assistance Programs
The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees. For more information visit OPM's site for Federal Employee Compensation Package.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

***This announcement was re-opened on 2/20/2024 to solicit additional applications. If you have already applied to this position, you do not need to re-apply to be considered, but you may update your application and/or any supporting documents while the announcement remains open.***

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following requirements:

  • U.S. Citizenship: You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov for additional information.
  • Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • Probationary Period: If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year probationary period.
You must apply online and submit a complete application by the closing date of this announcement in order to be considered for this position. (See Required Documents section of this announcement)

All applicants must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement. (See Qualifications section of this announcement)

As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

Qualifications

To be eligible at the GS-7 level, you must meet at least one of the following conditions below:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: aids in preparing and organizing evidence for production as discovery and for use in trial; prepares trial exhibits such as statistical charts, graphs, and timelines to be presented in court; manages discovery and evidence in paper copies and electronically and may present the exhibits using trial presentation software in court; and aids in processing and organizing legal data and other supportive material.

-OR-

Education: Four (4) years of undergraduate level education in a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement (see definition in the "Education Section" of this vacancy announcement) OR one (1) full year of progressively higher-level graduate education. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

-OR-

Combination of Experience and Education: Combinations of successfully completed post high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. In order to qualify based on a combination, college education must be in excess of 120 semester hours or beyond the fourth year.

To be eligible at the GS-9 level, you must meet the following conditions as defined below:

Specialized Experience: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience performing the following types of duties: provide technical assistance to litigation teams on legal automation requirements and systems capabilities to facilitate litigation decisions, trial preparation and trial presentation; develop and apply a basic knowledge of Federal Civil procedures, court requirements, and district practices to implement computer applications needed for civil cases; performs general information system analysis and development in support of District litigation support activities for assigned cases; and assists with the organization, preparation, delivery, and tracking of discovery in cases involving large volumes of documentary and/or digital evidence.

-OR-

Education: Education in a related field (e.g., Information Technology/Data Management, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies, Electronic Litigation, Criminal Justice): possess a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree (such as an LL.B. or J.D.); or, two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree. Education at the graduate level must be in an accredited college or university and must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of the position.

-OR-

Combining Education and Experience: Combinations of successfully completed graduate education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements. Graduate education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of a Human Resources Specialist. (Only graduate education in excess of the first full year may be used when combining education and experience.)

The complete Qualification Standards used for this position may be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=GS-ADMIN.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): The ICTAP provides eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your ICTAP eligibility; 2) you apply under the instructions in the announcement; and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide proof of eligibility to receive selection priority. Such proof may include a copy of your written notification of ICTAP eligibility or a copy of your separation personnel action form. Additional information about ICTAP eligibility is at: http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP): The CTAP provides eligible surplus and displaced competitive service employees in the Department of Justice with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. If your Department of Justice component has notified you in writing that you are a surplus or displaced employee eligible for CTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority if: 1) this vacancy is within your CTAP eligibility, 2) you apply under the instructions in this announcement, and 3) you are found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well qualified, you must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and receive a score of 85 or better on established ranking criteria. You must provide a copy of your written notification of CTAP eligibility with your application. Additional information about CTAP eligibility is at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Education

All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, see http://www.ed.gov

OR

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above education requirements if you can show that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is your responsibility to timely provide such evidence by submitting proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency with your application materials. More information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.

Additional information

Payment of relocation expenses will not be authorize
A relocation incentive may be considered as appropriate based on qualifications.

The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.

Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement: Federal Agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

EEO Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a parent, genetic information, disability, age, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.

Diversity Statement: As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your complete application package (resume/supporting documentation, online questionnaire, and USA Hire Competency Based Assessment) will be evaluated and rated using DOJ's Category Rating and Selection Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are basically qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the online questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If it is determined you meet minimum qualification requirements, your application will then be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive selection priority over non-veteran preference eligibles. In addition, qualified veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 10% or more are placed at the top of the highest quality category (i.e., Best Qualified).

You will be rated on the following Competencies (see The OPM Website for definitions):

  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Learning
  • Reading
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Teamwork

To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job.
The assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in these critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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